Okra Hushpuppies

Okra Hushpuppies Vegetable Oil 4 cups very thinly sliced Okra 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion 1 tbsp. chopped Fresh Parsley 1 large Egg 1 cup Buttermilk 1 1/2 tbsp. Sugar (optional) 2 cups Self--Rising Cornmeal Mix 1 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven or deep pan. Heat oil to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine okra, garlic powder, onion and parsley. In another bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk and sugar. Pour into bowl with okra and stir to combine. Stir in the cornbread mix, salt and black pepper. Use a scoop or a small ice cream scoop to scoop the batter and drop it into the oil. Working in batches, fry for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked throughout. Drain on paper towel--lined plate. Serve while still warm.